Police and state wildlife officials are investigating the death of a 26 year old man from Tennessee after he was bitten by a Copperhead. He apparently as trying to sex the snake which a friend brought over and was bitten just above the right elbow. EMS staff preformed CPR when they arrived but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
“UPDATE”
Apparently police have question and are still investigating the circumstances including the length of time it took the friend to call for help. Wildlife officials also stated that copperheads are not legal to keep in Tennessee and charges may be filed.
A herpetologist also noted that Copperhead bites rarely kill people and are actually considered mild mites.
DRN spoke to a friend of the family who stated that he did not keep venomous snakes and was not trained in the proper handling procedures for them.